LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
L A W H A M M E R
LEXICON OF SLANG
A BRIEF STUDY OF INFORMAL REIKSPIEL
0
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
REIKSPIEL SLANG
A brief Study of informal Reikspiel in Sigmar’s Empire
Reikspiel is a living language, as dynamic and fluid as the deepest
breaths of Manaan. Its speakers are both well-travelled and
isolated, so the currents and eddies of its meaning constantly flow
and stall, creating new words and repurposing the old. The result
is uncounted thousands of Reikspiel dialects existing across the
Known World, many of which are mutually unintelligible to each
other. This can cause many problems for communication, the
most famous example of which was faced by Emperor Magnus
the Pious before the Great War Against Chaos.
High Chorister Grumpert Dammen of the Light Order discusses
this in his essay ‘Today’s Slang, Tomorrow’s Reikspiel’. He claims
the word slang is derived from the Bjornling word slengja,
meaning to sling the jaw. He posits this Norscan loanword
migrated through the Wasteland into the Reikland many
centuries ago, and eventually evolved into Reikspiel’s slang. He
believes this makes it clear that key ‘proper Reikspiel’ words come
from sources outside the Empire, so ICCLE should widen its
acceptance of foreign loanwords, and of slang in general.
In 2501IC, Magnus the Pious toured the Reik Basin to rally an
army the size of which had not been seen since the Time of the
God-King. However, it was clear he could no more communicate
with the Heirs of Sigmar than he could with Tileans, Kislevites,
or Elves! For all most folk he encountered claimed they spoke
Reikspiel, he found he could not understand their version of the
language, making communication a constant challenge. Magnus
swore to resolve this, and after the Great War ended, he founded
the Imperial College of Linguists, Lexicographers, and
Etymologists (ICCLE) in 2312 IC. He charged the new
institution to study, record, and standardise Reikspiel in his name,
using the ‘high speech of the Reik between Nuln and Altdorf’, the
spoken language of Magnus himself, as a baseline. He then
ordered all holy sermons and courts of law be conducted in his
new ‘Emperor’s Reikspiel’.
Professor Worter Herrenschen of Nuln University has an
alternative position. In his paper ‘On the Imperial Origins of
Informal Language’, the professor claims the word slang comes
from Strigany salanga, meaning secret language. He then uses this
and other examples to show that the Emperor’s Reikspiel need
never draw upon loanwords when there is sufficient Empire
vernacular. He concludes: ‘Thus, the holy Language of Sigmar
can remain undiluted!’ Unfortunately, the professor is wrong with
his core assertion, for the word sallanga does not mean secret
language. It means laughing alone, which is a common Strigany
idiom for tricking a fool. It seems the good professor was duped.
Because of this, I decided to resolve this linguistic issue myself,
and can now confirm the origin of the word slang. Four centuries
ago, it started as the word slangu, derived from a Varg word
slaangu meaning shadow tongue. The word was used for a new
secret language created by Altdorf’s criminal communities and, by
the end of the 21st century, had evolved in pronunciation to
slanga, as was noted by a high priestess of Verena at the time.
This modernisation of Reikspiel was widely unpopular at the time,
but Emperor Magnus would not be denied. He strongly enforced the
changes, and soon gained the support of both the Cults of Verena
and Sigmar, who swore to only preach in ‘proper Reikspiel’,
abandoning their traditional Classical, Khazalid, or High Unberogen.
This had wide-reaching implications, as Magnus himself noted when
addressing the ICCLE near the end of his reign.
‘How deliteful! The Criminals plaguen the Strassen have
matured Their Slangu. Now, It is Slanga, ho, ho – and, lo, I
shall not miss-spake It lest They grow bitter! I must learn more
of this Schattenzunge, though the Stadt do call It the “Cant of
Secrets” for fear the Word Slangu brings Darkness.’
The Daybuch of Mutter Fibulia Grasch, 2193IC
‘We have finally gathered the good folk of our Empire behind
the banner of unified speech. Now we can march forward as
one people in the name of Holy Sigmar, unified in purpose and
unified in action because we are unified in language.’
Magnus the Pious
The Great Speeches of Magnus, ‘Third ICCLE Speech’, 2362IC
The high priestess also noted that Slanga was used to obfuscate
clandestine business and send coded missives. To do this, the
language contained many loanwords from Bretonnian, Tilean,
and Strigany. She claimed those peoples were marginalised in the
city at the time, explaining their linguistic contributions.
Today, after two centuries of linguistic standardisation, almost all
people in the Empire can, to a degree, understand each other.
Tracking this, the ICCLE codifies all Reikspiel words as either
‘The Emperor’s Reikspiel’ – formal Reikspiel – or ‘Reikspiel Slang’
– informal Reikspiel. Formal Reikspiel is the proper language
taught by finishing schools, universities, and the cults. Informal
Reikspiel is spoken by everyone else.
By the mid-2200s, Slanga words were so widespread that noted
poets and playwrights of the period used them to indicate knavery
or low-born pursuits. Thus, many Slanga words entered common
use across the Empire. In the 2300s, the ICCLE then codified
Slangu words as either ‘The Emperor’s Reikspiel’ or as ‘Slang’,
according to their usage. Of course, this included the word slang
itself, which was used to describe all informal speech. Therefore,
I can state with confidence that the Emperor’s Reikspiel not only
has some loanwords sourced from outside the Empire, it has many,
including the word slang itself. I shall leave it up to the reader to
decide whether that is for good or ill.
Because more people use slang than the Emperor’s Reikspiel,
recording slang words is considered by some scholars to be of
great importance. However, others would prefer the common folk
reject all slang and instead speak ‘proper’ Reikspiel at all times.
Of late, this has become a subject of some antagonism and debate
in linguistic circles. Ironically, at the heart of this debate is the
word slang itself, because not only is the origin of the word
obscure, but its potential origins also speak to the nature of which
words should be considered ‘proper’ and which shouldn’t.
Professor Heinz Giegerich
Altdorf University
2509 IC
1
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
EUPHIMISMS, IDIOMS, AND SLANG
Including the commonplace Cusses and Curses of Rogues, Sailors, and Soldiers
A limited Guide for the Uninformed
Slang words course from countless sources, forming vast seas of
language, with new words flowing into existence as old words are
washed away. This makes recording the many euphemisms,
idioms, and slang words of Reikspiel seem a futile effort because
these words are so prone to change through use. However, a
careful etymologist notes that the very process of recording these
shifting words can calcify them, granting them a certain
immunity to the eroding waves of time and linguistic drift.
caused widespread outrage when published in 2267IC and was
banned by the Cult of Sigmar for over two centuries, today the
book is recognised for the monumentally important work that it
is. Not only does it offer an extraordinary insight into Altdorf’s
history, but the language it recorded would be repeatedly
referenced for the next two and a half centuries, ensuring the
words it collected retained their use and relevance.
Without Sister Fralina’s determination, diligence, and bravery,
convenient phrases as ‘finished with piss’ or ‘farts in the fog’ would
have been lost to us forever, as they would surely not have survived
the linguistic progression and evolution of our blessed language.
But, because of her painstaking work, those phrases and so many
more were recorded and referenced for decades, guaranteeing
their use to this day. This is why, as an academic community, we
shall forever mourn Sister Fralina’s loss when she was compiling
her unpublished, and much needed, Vulgari Lingua Ogrus.
As an example, consider the seminal Lingua Vulgaris Aldorfii by
Sister Fralina Gross, a forward-thinking nun of the Shallyan Ordo
Illustratio. The controversial dictionary is not only an essential
text for any study of vulgarity, it has also ensured some words and
phrases have endured long after they would normally have faded
into obscurity.
Fortnightly, Sister Fralina took midnight walks through the
poorer quarters of Altdorf, eavesdropping in rookeries, gambling
halls, fighting pits, dockyards, brothels, and less salubrious
establishments. From these halls of the destitute and desperate,
places also populated by immigrant communities from across the
Known World, she unflinchingly recorded every colourful curse,
cuss, and blasphemy she encountered.
The following list collects some of the most frequently
encountered slang words and phrases found across the Empire,
and all are widely understood. Caution should be considered
before uttering the coarser examples, as local custom can lend
greater significance to even the most innocent seeming of
obscenity. This is especially the case where blasphemy is
concerned.
Later, when ensconced in her cloister, she compiled her lexicon
of vulgarity alongside detailed footnotes concerning the many
memorable characters she encountered. Although the volume
The following words and phrases are commonplace in the Empire.
Bloody Hells! (Exclamation of surprise.)
A
Considered deeply blasphemous as it calls on The Blood God.
Acts of Rhya. Sexual intercourse.
Blood ’n’ bones! Exclamation of surprise.
This term is used in several Sigmarite holy texts as a
euphemism for physical intimacy. It is also a mainstay of the
Cults of Taal and Rhya.
Considered deeply blasphemous as it calls on The Blood God.
Bretonnian bathhouse. 1) Empty; 2) Unused.
An anvil fears no hammer. Stick to the teachings of Sigmar and
all will be well.
‘Head like a Bretonnian bathhouse, that one.’ That person is
an idiot.
‘Nowt to worry about, the old mill’s like a Bretonnian
bathhouse.’ There is nothing to worry about, the old mill is
unused.
As sure as Siggurd! Done with confidence.
Chiefly used in Averland and Wissenland.
Born by Morr’s light. 1) Ill-omened; 2) Ill-favoured appearance;
3) Suspicious.
Averland soldier. Over-dressed idiot with no sense of fashion.
Chiefly used in Mootland, Stirland, Reikland, and
Wissenland.
Suggests the person was born at night when Morrslieb, the
Chaos moon, was full.
Aye. Yes.
Bridleweg. A path for a riding horse, but not a cart.
Chiefly used in the north of the Empire.
B
By the Gods! Common exclamation of surprise.
Often shortened to just Gods!
Bellies have no ears! Needful people do not listen to advice until
their primary concerns are met.
By the hammer! Exclamation of surprise, especially in a martial
or noble surrounding.
Blood God, The. The Chaos God of Bloodshed and Rage.
Notably more common in Reikland and Wissenland.
Although a common euphemism and not blasphemous, it is
deeply frowned upon to utter the Blood God without need. This
substitution is used by Sigmarites in their weekly throngs, by
academics, and by the courts of law, so is universally
understood. And feared.
By the North Road. By the most dangerous route.
Chiefly used in Hochland, Middenland, Ostland, and
Talabecland.
2
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
C
E
Cack-handed. Clumsy.
Eagles and women. (A common response to why did a war break
out, suggesting it was ‘religion and sex’.)
Suggests using the off-hand, the hand commonly used in the
Empire to wipe yourself, or your ‘cack hand’.
From Old Teutognen kakken dung + hand.
Chiefly used in Averland and Wissenland.
Even unto death. Common toast in Hochland.
Carpet knight. A knight dubbed by favour rather than for deed.
Considered an insult to toast this before Talabeclanders.
So-called because the knight has taken the easy route and kneels
down on a carpet rather than hard stone.
F
Cat’s pissing on me. I am having very bad luck.
Family business. Trials and executions.
A reference to Ranald, the God of Fortune, who is often
depicted as a cat.
Common in the south of the Empire. References the Cult of
Verena, the Goddess of Justice’s, business.
Clawed intervention. Military attack.
Fangs bared. Openly carrying weapons.
Chiefly used in Hochland, Middenland, and Nordland.
Recently, this has been repurposed as taloned intervention in
the Reikland, a reference to the emperor’s griffin, Deathclaw.
Chiefly used in the north of the Empire. A reference to Ulric,
the God of Winter and War’s, penchant to snarl when angered.
Favour. Ribbon bow.
Cross-hearted. Honourable.
So-called for the ribbons granted to ladies by knights during
jousts.
From the Imperial Cross, a symbol of honour in the Empire.
Crow husband/wife. Widower/widow.
Farts in the fog. All talk, no action.
Chiefly used in Reikland.
In Talebecland, Ostermark, and Hochland, where the
phrase may have originated, it’s posed as Farts on ma sheaf
or Farts on ma horn, suggesting that the phrase’s target is
only spreading bad air about the interlocutor’s sexual
organs, and that no real actual action is taking place.
In Nordland, it’s instead phrased as Wind on ma balls.
In Ostland it’s shortened further to just Wind on balls.
Cursemark. 1) Pay Nothing; 2) Worthless.
‘Cursemark for that and naught more.’ I’ll pay nothing for
that.
‘That haul’s cursemark.’ That haul’s worthless.
From Old Unberogen kirsch+mark wild cherry + unit of
weight.
Cut from Khaine’s cloth. A cold-hearted murderer.
Finished with piss. Stupid, ill-fashioned person.
D
The phrase suggests a conception with urine, not semen.
Da. Yes.
Flaming comet! (Exclamation of surprise.)
Chiefly used in the east of the Empire.
From the twin-tailed comet symbol of Sigmar, which is said to
have heralded his birth.
Dark Prince, The. Slaanesh, the Chaos God of Sensation and
Excess.
Fought a wolf. Was beaten up by a ‘pack’ gathered to score
revenge for an earlier slight.
Although a common euphemism and not blasphemous, it is
deeply frowned upon to utter the Dark Prince without need.
This substitution is used by Sigmarites in their weekly throngs,
by academics, and by the courts of law, so is universally
understood.
Common in the north of the Empire.
Freehold. A prime estate of the Empire, one that owes no duty
or service to any but an Elector Count.
Dead as Morr’s cold cock. Quite dead.
G
Considered blasphemy in Ostermark.
Dove-eyed. 1) Can’t see anything bad in another; 2) Cross-eyed.
Gelt. Gold coin
From the dove symbol of Shallya, the Goddess of Mercy. Myths
claim Ranald, God of Trickery, stole immortality from Shallya
because she could not see through his lies.
Chiefly used in the north of the Empire.
From Old Reikspiel gelt gold.
Gobhorn! 1) Useless person; 2) Someone that talks rubbish.
Drak-tongued. Prone to lying.
The phrase comes from ‘As useful as a Goblin’s horn.’ This is
generally taken to mean, ‘All you’re useful for is pissing’.
Chiefly used in Hochland, Middenland, Nordland, and
Reikland.
Greencloak. Noble.
Dry-eyed. Merciless.
So-called for the green velvet cloaks worn by nobles at the
Altdorf court.
Chiefly used in Reikland and Wissenland. Refers to Shallya,
Goddess of Mercy, who always cries.
Guilder. 1) Any coin with a high gold content; 2) Anything with
high value.
Dyrath’s tears. Menstrual blood.
Chiefly used in the north of the Empire. So-called because
Dyrath, Goddess of Childbirth, is said to cry for each cycle that
passes without a child.
So-called because the gold coinage of the Wasteland is called the
guilder and has a higher gold content than Empire coins.
3
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
H
M
Handle. Moustache.
Manaan’s feast. Storm.
Chiefly used in Nordland and Ostland.
Hanger. Scabbarded sword or long knife.
Mark. Gold coin.
Of naval origin. Chiefly used Reikland and Nordland.
Has Shallya’s eyes. Can only see pain.
Muck. Silver shilling.
Chiefly used in the south of the Empire.
Chiefly used in rural Reikland, Stirland, and Talabecland.
Has Shallya’s hands. Is very kind.
Morr’s platter. A battlefield.
Chiefly used in the south of the Empire.
Chiefly used in Ostermark and Stirland.
Heart is empty. Tremendous suffering has occurred.
Morr take you! Drop dead.
Chiefly used in the south of the Empire.
Although seemingly innocuous to many, this is deeply
blasphemous in Ostermark, Stirland, and Talabecland.
He’d lay hands on Shallya. 1) He comments or explains things to
women in condescending, overconfident, and oversimplified
ways; 2) He’d claim anything to touch a woman.
Morr warmed up. 1) Pale; 2) Sickly.
Myrmidia’s Togs. Naked.
Horn. Male genitals.
So-called because many statues of Myrmidia are naked.
Originally from Talabecland, euphemistically using the
religious term ‘Taal’s Horns’ to represent male sexual organs.
This term is universal and not considered particularly rude.
N
Nay. No.
Chiefly used in the north and south-east of the Empire.
Hundsfott! A bad person.
From Old High Reikspiel for dog’s cunt.
Nei. No.
Chiefly used in the far north of the Empire.
Hunting with Ulric. Slain.
Norscan deal. Agreed under the threat of violence.
I
Chiefly used in Nordland and Ostland. Sometimes rephrased
as wolf’s deal.
In for a pfennig, in for a crown. You’ve started, so you may as well
finish.
Nulner gentleman/lady. 1) Homosexual, commonly in reference
to a noble; 2) Bisexual Chiefly Stirland and Wissenland.
Originally from Ottilan Talabheim where it was said that
those who fell in debt for a pfennig might as well accept they
will owe a gold crown once all taxes and penalties are applied.
Nyet. No.
Chiefly used in Ostland and Ostermark.
J
O
Ja. Yes.
Chiefly used in the north-west of the Empire.
Oi, that’s my leg! That’s mine, not yours.
K
Old Soldiers. Common toast in Ostland.
Considered an insult by Talabeclanders.
Karl. A gold crown.
So-called because they are engraved with the head of the
Emperor, Karl-Franz.
Only Morr knows. I don’t know how this situation will resolve
itself.
Kiss the owl. Swear an oath of truth before Verena, Goddess of
Justice.
P
Plague Lord, The. The Chaos God of Decay and Despair.
Chiefly used in the south of the Empire.
Although a common euphemism and not blasphemous, it is
deeply frowned upon to utter the Plague Lord without need.
This substitution is used by Sigmarites in their weekly throngs,
by academics, and by the courts of law, so is universally
understood. And feared.
L
Laughs like a wolf. 1) Has a deep, hearty laugh Chiefly the north
of the Empire; 2) Has a cold, cruel laugh Chiefly the south of the
Empire.
Plank. A corpse found in a river.
Like an ogre pulling a plague cart. Hungry.
Pus and Pestilence! (Exclamation of surprise.)
Lord of Change, The. The Chaos God of Magic and Ambition.
Considered deeply blasphemous as it calls on The Plague Lord.
Although a common euphemism and not blasphemous, it is
deeply frowned upon to utter the Lord of Change without need.
This substitution is used by Sigmarites in their weekly throngs,
by academics, and by the courts of law, so is universally
understood. And feared.
Q
Quick. Alive
Chiefly used in the south of the Empire.
4
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
Sigmar’s blood! (Exclamation of surprise.)
R
Common everywhere. Considered blasphemy in Wissenland.
Raise a torch. Protest.
Sigmar’s comet! (Exclamation of surprise.)
Chiefly used in Hochland and Middenland.
Sigmar’s sausage! (Exclamation of surprise.)
Ranald’s bones! Bad luck!
Common in Mootland, Stirland, Reikland, Wissenland.
Often used by mummers, accompanied by false outrage, to
indicate a bawdy situation.
A reference to Ranald’s knuckle-bone dice, which only favour
the God of Luck.
Red rub. Sudden anger.
Squigworst. A braggart who is compensating for a small penis.
Chiefly used in Hochland, Ostermark, and Talabecland.
From squig creature with a huge mouth and little else + Old
Reikspiel wurst sausage.
Reikland soldier. A foppish, dandified, weak person who avoids
conflict.
Snotlings in the cellar. Untidy, when referring to a house.
Suggests snotlings, small greenskins, have been attracted by, or
have caused, the mess. Compare to Trolls in the pantry.
Chiefly used in Middenland, Nordland, and Talabecland.
Reik runs long and deep. Stop asking questions.
Chiefly used along the Reik river.
‘Aye, that man’s got snotlings in ‘is cellar.’ Yes, that man’s
house is untidy.
Rhya’s fancy. 1) An indulgence; 2) A big meal; 3) A flirtation.
Sooner burn my bow! I’ll never do that!
Chiefly used in Mootland, Stirland, and Talabecland.
Chiefly used
Talabecland.
S
Sailed West. Died.
in
Hochland, Ostland,
Stirland,
and
Stone’s throw. Easy
Chiefly used in Averland and Wissenland. References
Myrmidia’s death and return to godhood after she manifested
as mortal.
Chiefly used in Averland and Wissenland.
Swatch o’ Shallya’s sheaf. Never happening.
Chiefly used in Middenland and Nordland.
Salli. Saddle.
Swimming with Manaan. Drowned.
From Classical selle saddle.
Salt beerman. Nordlander
T
So-called because it’s tradition in many parts of Nordland to
throw salt on the mash to ward off witches and other dark
forces.
Taal’s horns. Inflexible.
Often used to suggest someone is behaving poorly because they
are unwilling to compromise.
Salt cod. A corpse.
Taal’s teeth! (Exclamation of surprise.)
Chiefly used in Nordland and Ostland.
Particularly common in Hochland, Talabecland, and
Ostermark.
Salty spray. An unexpected event
So-called because Manaan, God of the Sea, is said to be locked
at the bottom of the oceans, and incapable of giving anyone a
proper ‘salty spray’.
Tease the daughter, meet the father. If you take too many risks,
you die.
So-called because those who take too many risks need appeal to
Shallya, Goddess of Mercy, to recover, and are also more likely
to die, thus meeting Shallya’s father, Morr, the God of Death.
Saved by Morr. Dead.
Shallya’s ale. Water.
There’s no living peeling apples! The task doesn’t pay well.
Shallya have mercy! (Appeal for the Goddess to protect you when
in a time of need.)
Chiefly used in Hochland, Middenland, and Ostland. From
the meagre bounties offered for killing Greenskins in the
Middle Mountains.
Shallya’s tits! (Exclamation of surprise.)
Shallya is considered to be particularly prudish, so this is
considered blasphemous by most given it may attract Shallya’s
wrath.
Throwing leg. Going on a long journey.
Chiefly used in Hochland and Ostland.
To the East. I have no idea where.
Sheaf. Female genitals.
Referencing the last sighting of Sigmar, which had him going
east.
Originally from Talabecland, euphemistically using the
religious term ‘Sheafs of Rhya’ to represent female sexual
organs. This term is universal and not considered particularly
rude.
Trolls in the pantry. Exceedingly messy and/or dirty when
referring to a house. Suggests trolls have taken over the
foodstores. Compare to Snotlings in the cellar.
Shrapnel. Brass or copper coins.
‘I visited, yes. She’s troll’s in the pantry, that one.’ I visited her,
yes. Her house was exceedingly untidy and dirty.
Si. Yes.
Chiefly used in the south of the Empire.
Ty Tor! (Exclamation of surprise.)
Chiefly used in Ostland and Ostermark.
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
Wed in darkness. Spouse has been killed.
U
Chiefly used in Ostermark and Stirland. From the belief that
Morr, the God of Death, allows the dead to visit their spouses
in dreams.
Ulric’s tits! [Exclamation of surprise, especially at something
humorous].
Common in Hochland, Middenland, Nordland, and Ostland.
Where there’s muck, there’s Halfings! If there is money to be
made, someone will already be doing it.
Under the rose! Quietly.
From the black rose associated with Morr, God of Death, who
is said to move without making a sound.
A translation of the Mootish Fara biel muik, tha Haffen
Where there’s pigs, there’s Haffen. Idiomatically, that
originally meant If there are no Halflings, don’t trust the food.
Unwashed. 1) the mob; 2) Common born.
Winemonth. Kaldezeit.
Word first recorded in Unther Gaylich’s poem concerning
Empress Molrella III.
So-called because Kaldezeit is the month of vintage.
Called Weinzeit in parts of Middenland and Hochland.
Chiefly used in Averland, Reikland, and Wissenland.
That queen of maids drew forth his blade
‘Neath Meno’s gothic sun,
And dubb’d him hard in canon yard
An unwashed lord of Nuln.
– ‘The Scarlet Empress’, Unther Gaylich, 2256IC
Wiseacre. Idiot.
A corruption of the Old Unberogen Weissager Seer, but used
ironically, suggesting they are only wise in their own conceit.
V
With the sun. Lost.
Chiefly used in Averland and Wissenland.
Vale of Tears. The world.
Wolfmonth. Nachhexen.
Chiefly used in Nordland and by the Eonir.
Chiefly used in Middenland and Nordland, where the phrase
Dark as Wolfmonth is common.
Verena’s fold. A distraction.
‘I’ll bring Verena’s fold so you can do your business.’ I’ll create
a distraction so you can do your part.
From the blindfold that Verena, the Goddess of Wisdom and
Justice, is said to wear when judging others.
Words feed no doves. Mere promises do not help the needy.
Wood’s whispers. Things we’ll never know.
Chiefly used in the north of the Empire.
W
X
Web of life. The fate of an individual from cradle to grave.
The allusion is to the Lord of Change, the Chaos God of Fate,
who is said to spin all possible threads of every life, the resulting
pattern describing every event that could potentially happen to
a soul. The term was first coined by the master poet SchneiderKoller.
XXX! 1) Expensive; 2) High quality.
Weave the warp, weave the woof,
Weave the web of life.
With ample space and verge enough
You’ll fend Fate’s fickle knife.
– ‘The Weaver and the Veil’, Sighardt Schneider-Koller,
1799IC
Y
Pronounced ‘Triple X’. On X marked on a beer barrel indicates
10 shillings of duty has been paid. It is common to use two,
three, or even five Xs as a trade mark to indicate quality,
suggesting extra tax has been paid.
You can skin them more than once. 1) They’re very gullible; 2)
They’re very fat; 3) They’re very rich.
Chiefly used in Hochland and Ostland
6
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
THIEVES’ CANT, A GLOSSARY
The vulgar Argot of Rogues, Villains, and Coves
A true Introduction for gentler Folk
The so-called Thieves’ Tongue is a secret argot used by thieves,
beggars, rogues, and vagabonds of all kinds. Although most
commonly used to hide the cozenings and knaveries of urban
criminals, it has become so widespread in the poorer districts of
our great cities that it now considered a discrete Reikspiel dialect.
Indeed, some eminent linguists even claim it has become a full
language in its own right, for all it lacks the political clout to
enforce such a claim.
However one chooses to classify it, Thieves’ Tongue is an
established form of communication in the Empire with a history
at least five centuries long. Called Slanga by its native speakers, it
is founded on the many lower-class city dialects of Reikspiel, with
primary influence from three other languages: Mootish, Strigany,
and Tilean. The following glossary provides a selected crosssection of the words and phrases used by Slanga, but it should in
no way be seen as exhaustive.
The following words and phrases are only known by those with Language (Thieves’ Tongue),
and may be understood by those with Etiquette (Criminals) with an Intelligence test.
A
Blubbered. Fat.
Angler. A thief who uses a hooked stick to fish items from open
windows.
Chiefly used in Nordland and the Wasteland.
‘You take the blubbered dog, I’ll handle this one’ You take the
fat Middenlander, I’ll handle this one.
Apple pie. 1) A clumsy thief; 2) An inexperienced thief; 3)
Someone unwelcome in the underworld.
Bobbed. 1) To cheat or trick; 2) To be upset at being cheated or
tricked.
apple apples on sticks are associated with children + pie
thief
‘Look at that sweet apple pie!’ Look at that inexperienced
person who doesn’t belong here.
Bog Trotter. A Wastelander.
Books. Playing cards.
‘It’s your turn to deal the books, pal.’ It’s your turn to deal the
cards, my friend.
B
Bark. Threaten.
Bootying. Purposefully losing, a common gambling tactic.
‘He’s playing booty.’ He’s purposefully losing.
Batty-fang. To harshly punish.
Brother. A pickpocket’s associate.
A corruption of Bretonnian batte de fin beat to the end.
Typically, a brother receives stolen goods then flees the scene,
ensuring the pickpocket carries no incriminating evidence.
From ‘Ranald’s Brother’, a popular tale from The Riddles Ten,
a Ranaldan Holy Book.
Bauer. A fool.
From Old Unberogen bauer farmer.
Benni. Good.
From Tilean bene good.
Buck. A husband.
Betray. Testify against in court.
Bulk. Distract.
‘Cove done betrayed me!’ The dishonest man testified against
me in court.
Bull. An Ostlander.
Bilk. A swindler or confidence artist.
Bully. 1) A coward; 2) A person who pretends to be someone
different.
Middenland/Nordland variant Bilker.
‘The cove’s my Bullybuck’ The dishonest man pretends to be
my husband.
Bilking. To defraud or cheat.
‘Cove done bilked me!’ That dishonest man cheated me!
Bullypie. A thief who encourages quarrels in order to rob both
parties when their attentions are elsewhere.
Bird. A prisoner or convict.
bully a person who pretends to be someone else + pie thief
Black arts. Lock picking.
Chiefly used in Wissenland and Averland.
Bunting. 1) Petticoats; 2) Skirts.
Black rose, the. The death sentence.
Burn. Extort.
Black roses are associated with Morr, the God of Death.
‘Nah, Ol’ Thom were given the black rose last year’ No, Old
Thom was given the death sentence last year.
Butters the bacon. Pays very well.
By the blade. In the stocks or pillory.
Bleeding. Giving up money.
From myths claiming Verena, the Goddess of Justice, carries the
‘Sword of Judgement’ to threaten petty criminals, warning
them not to commit worse crimes.
‘I’ve bled the cull already’ I have already taken the man’s
money.
Blind. Justice.
7
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
Clanker. An obvious lie.
C
Clean. Expert.
Cockling. Capital punishment of hanging.
‘The doxie’s a clean miner’ That dishonest woman is an
expert lock picker.
‘The dirty dove was cockled’ The thief was hung for stealing
from a temple.
Clod. 1) A country person; 2) A dullard.
Cadger. A begger.
Reikland/Wissenland variant Cadge
Cloud. Pipe weed.
Cadger’s hall. A Shallyan Mercyhouse established to feed the
homeless.
Clown. 1) Country fellow; 2) Ill-bred person.
Cadging. Begging.
Coachload. A large sum of money.
Capper. A thief who steals hats and hoods.
Cobble. Fix or repair.
Cank. Stupid
Cogging. Cheating at dice.
Cant. Speak.
Cold. Shy and retiring.
Canter. 1) A liar; 2) Someone who knows Thieves’ Tongue.
Cold Cut. A Cleric of Morr, God of Death.
Canting Crew. Beggars.
Confess. Visit the privy.
Cannon. A Nulner.
Convenient. A mistress.
Derived from one of the city’s heraldic devices.
Cophers. Lice.
From Altdorf rhyming slang: Copher Spice—Lice. Copher is a
trading city in Araby.
Cap’n. A thug.
Cap’n Book. A thug employed to threaten gamblers who refuse
to pay because they suspect cheating.
Copper. A member of the Watch.
Chiefly used in Altdorf, where the Watch carry copper badges.
Cat. A rogue or conman.
Countess’s court. A Brothel.
From Ranald, the God of Trickery’s, sacred animal.
Widely believed to be named for Grand Countess Emmanuelle
of Nuln, but historically the phrase has been applied to other
figures.
Cat-faced. 1) Two-faced; 2) Charming.
Cat’s Eyes. Fake sores.
Cove. A dishonest man.
Commonly used by beggars to elicit sympathy.
From Strigany kova that person.
Cauliflower. A judge.
Crack. Burgle.
Chasing Esme’s pig. Looking for sex.
Cracking. Burglarising.
From Mootish Shalag Esmen pog Hunting Esmerelda’s kiss.
Cracker. A burglar.
Chavi. A dishonest or anti-social youth.
From Strigany chavi child.
Crash. Kill.
Chink. Coins.
Creaking. Spilling secrets.
‘The cat creaks.’ That rogue can’t keep a secret.
Chip. Child.
Croaker. A person who always foretells doom, no matter how
positive the circumstances.
Chip off the old block. Child that looks like the parent.
Chive. Knife.
Croaking. Dying.
Chopped. Good.
‘That bully croaked last year.’ That coward died last year.
From Altdorf rhyming slang: Chopped Wood—Good.
Cull. An honest man.
Chops. Face.
Cully. A target of crime.
Chum. A person you have shared a prison cell with.
Cup-shot. Drunk.
Clack. Tongue.
Curb. An angler’s hook.
Clacking. Talking.
Curber. An angler.
Clap. Any venereal disease.
Curls. Clippings shaved from coins, which typically curl.
Clank. 1) Brass pennies; 2) Nothing of worth.
8
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
Dove. A fool.
D
From the holy symbol of Shallya, the Goddess of Mercy. Myths
claim Ranald tricked immortality from Shallya, making her
‘the fool’.
Dabbling. Sexual intercourse.
Daddles. Hands.
Doxie. A dishonest woman.
Darker. A counterfeiter of documents, licences, and passes.
Dragpie. A thief who grabs goods from passing carts, wagons,
and coaches.
Daughter. A key.
From an obsolete Cant term, ‘locksmith’s daughter’.
Drake. A woman who dresses as a man.
Dead water. A thieving job that yielded poor results.
Drakes often protect prostitutes who do not trust men to do the
job in Altdorf, Carroburg, and Nuln.
Chiefly used in Reikland and the Wasteland.
Dehaglying. Throwing grit or sand in victims’ eyes before stealing
from them.
During the reign of Empress Karl. Never.
The focus of this phrase has changed with each new emperor or
empress.
From Altdorf rhyming slang: Dehagli’s Fit—Grit;
Dehagli is a God of Tailoring in many parts of the Empire.
‘Dehaglied three fat culls!’ I have successfully thrown grit in
the faces of three honest men, and stolen from them.
E
Ease. Kill.
Dehagli. 1) A thief who carries grit to aid thieving; 2) a thief who
pretends to assist Dehaglied victims, stealing from them as their
grit-throwing associate flees.
‘Make it easy for the dove!’ Kill the fool!
Escapee. A chimney sweep.
So-called, as the sweep is said to have escaped from Morr’s
Realm, the afterlife of the God of Death.
Dell. An honest woman.
Dice. Loaded dice.
Eyes. Sores, boils, and similar.
Dick. An investigator or thief-taker.
Education. Imprisonment.
From ‘Verena’s Education’ a now obsolete phrase.
‘He’s gettin’ an education.’ He’s in prison.
From Nordlander dialect deek see.
Dicer. A counterfeiter of coin dies.
Elbow. A Gambler.
Die hard. To show no fear at the gallows.
Elbowing. Gambling.
Gangs often tell their members to ‘die hard’, to maintain their
reputations.
Empress Molrella. 1) A high-born woman with low-born tastes;
2) A woman with pretensions above her station.
Dipper. A pickpocket.
Supposedly the 13th century Empress, Molrella I of Nuln, had
notoriously salacious tastes.
Dipping. Pickpocketing.
Dirty doves. Thieves who regularly steal from shrines and
temples.
F
Family Man. A fence.
Chiefly used in Reikland.
Disguised. Drunk.
Fat. Obviously rich.
Div. An idiot.
Father. A temple.
From Altdorf rhyming slang: Father Klaus—Sigmar’s House.
From Strigany divvy maddened.
Father Klaus. A Priest of Sigmar, patron God of the Empire.
Dog. A Middenheimer.
Chiefly used in Altdorf. It is common practice in poorer districts
of Altdorf to nickname priests you do not know ‘Father Klaus’.
Dog Pound. Jail.
Chiefly used in Talabheim.
Flagpie. A child or very small person hoisted through a small
window to throw goods out to an awaiting thief.
Dogger. A member of the Watch.
Chiefly used in Talabheim where the Watchmen wear wolf
symbols of Ulric, the God of Winter, Wolves, and War.
Fly Rink. Bald head.
Dolly-up. Halfling strip show.
Fog. Arse.
From Altdorf rhyming slang: Fog Farce—Arse.
Doomsayer. Paedophile.
Frogger. Lawyer.
So-called because Morrian Doomsayers conduct the religious
rite that marks a child’s legal status changing to adult at age
10.
From Old High Reikspiel fogger lawyer.
Footpad. An unmounted robber who steals from travellers.
Done. Robbed.
Frosty-faced. Pock-marked.
9
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
G
J
Gaffer. A member of the Watch.
Jade. Woman.
Chiefly used in Averland and Stirland.
From Strigany gavva ‘hide’. Not to be confused with Mootish
gaffah foreman.
Jenny. Tool to lift up grates.
Jigger. A whipping post.
Gagger. A rogue who spins tales of suffering to con well-meaning
folk.
Jilt. Prostitute.
Jilted. Tricked by a prostitute.
Gagging. 1) Lying; 2) Storytelling.
From Mootish gaggah talking.
Jink. Gold crowns of dubious origin.
Garland. A judicial champion.
Jock. Intercourse.
From Altdorf rhyming slang: Garland Campion—Judicial
Champion. Garlands awarded in Reikland for success in
tourneys are often made from campion flowers.
K
Karls. Hands.
Grease up. Capital punishment of hanging.
From Altdorf rhyming slang: Karl-Franz—Hands.
Chiefly in Averland, Mootland, and Stirland.
Keeping it in the family. Fencing goods.
Groper. A money-lender, specifically a usurer.
Kitten. A child recently taken to thievery.
Groping. Lending money.
From Ranald, the God of Trickery’s, sacred animal, the cat.
Guild. A gang of criminals.
Knuckles. Dice.
Gull. A very gullible person.
Kushty. Very good.
From Strigany kushtipen very good.
Gullgroper. A usurer who lends to habitual gamblers.
L
H
Ladybird. Women who use their femininity to con others.
Hammer. A Sigmarite.
Lamb Pie. Thief who beats up weak targets to steal their goods.
Hanger. Purse.
Land Pirate. Highwayman.
Haymaker. A usurer who lends money to prisoners so they can
make bail, and often charges extortionate rates of interest.
Lattice Pie. A burglar who pretends to be a lamp lighter, granting
the right to carry a ladder in order to reach high windows.
Hen. A man who dresses as a woman.
Library. A deck of cards.
High Tide. Indicates a potential target’s pockets are overflowing
with wealth.
Lifter. A thief who steals from shops and markets.
Chiefly used in Nordland, Reikland, and the Wasteland.
Lifting. Stealing from a shop or market.
Highpad. A Highwayman; a mounted robber who steals from
travellers.
Lily pad. A thief who steals from moored boats.
Hood winked. Blindfolded.
Lily white. Chimney sweep.
Hot. 1) Gained much attention; 2) Difficult.
Livestock. Lice, fleas, and similar parasites.
Huffer. Bully.
Lollipop. Capable child thief.
From Strigany loli phabai red apple. It is a common Strigany
custom to sell sugared apples, which are popular with children.
Hungry Trolls and the Gobbos. Very dangerous.
‘Nah, I don’t advise it, it’s hungry trolls and the gobbos.’ No, I
don’t advise that course of action, it’s very dangerous.
Look out for. Protect.
Lord of the Narrow Sea. A drunkard who urinates under a table
on the shoes of those sitting opposite.
Hunter. A Hochlander.
I
Low tide. Indicates someone with empty pockets and purses.
Imperial Wedding. A marriage between a prostitute and a
hardened criminal.
Chiefly used in Nordland, Reikland, and the Wasteland.
Lumber. Stolen goods.
Ivories. Teeth.
Lumber yard. A safe house, typically used to store stolen goods.
Ivory Box. Mouth.
10
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
M
O
Magpie. Someone trying too hard to look like a rogue; often used
in reference to an outsider.
Ogles. Eyes.
Old horn. Husband.
From Ranald’s sacred animal, the magpie.
‘Nah, just a pair o’ magpie!’ No, it’s just two people
pretending to be rogues.
Old sheaf. Wife.
Otter. Thief who steals from barges.
Maiden’s. 1) Darkness; 2) Night-time.
From the largely obsolete phrase ‘Maiden Time’, which refers
to a time where all can see as well as the Blind Maiden, who is
a symbol for Verena, Goddess of Justice.
Owler. 1) A judge; 2) A Cleric of Verena.
From Venera, the Goddess of Justice’s, sacred animal, the owl.
Owl shunter. A member of the Watch, often shortened to just
Shunter.
Maiden’s bluff. The act of hiding in a house during the day, so it
can be opened at night to let in other burglars.
Chiefly used in Nuln.
Marine Officer. A useless person.
P
Chiefly used in Altdorf and Nordland. So-called because
Reiklander Naval Officers are widely claimed to be useless by
most seaman.
Pa Bloater. The Lord of Plagues, Chaos God of Disease and
Despair.
Mastiff. 1) A bailiff; 2) Someone working for a bailiff.
Pad. 1) A road; 2) A robber; a thief who steals from travellers.
Miller. Murderer.
Pain. Concern.
‘Nah, don’t pain me.’ No, that doesn’t concern me.
Milling. 1) Breaking someone free from jail; 2) Stealing; 3)
Killing.
Pal. A friend.
From Strigany pral brother.
Milling Tilean. A pit fighter.
Parade. A horse.
Miner. A lock picker.
Parader. A thief who cuts bags from passing horses.
Mining. Lock picking.
Peeking. Being on guard duty.
Mineshaft. 1) A building to be entered by lock picking; 2) a
criminal job centred around lock-picking
Peeper. Magnifying glass; 2) Telescope.
Mobility. Commoners.
Pelter. A cleric or templar of Ulrica.
From ‘The Mob’; used in counterpoint to the nobility.
Pie. A Thief.
Moll. A harlot.
From Ranald, the God of Trickery’s, sacred animal, the
magpie.
Supposedly named for Empress Molrella I of Wissenland.
Moller. A person in charge of a brothel.
Pie Eater. Watchman; commonly, just ‘Eater’ is used.
Morr’s boob. Murderer.
Pieman. 1) A master thief; 2) A fence.
Although widely believed to mean ‘Morr’s Fool’, is actually
derived from High Reikspiel mordbube murder boy.
Piking it. Running away.
Morr’s Fayre. A public execution.
Pincher. A thief who palms money when counting it to another,
stealing a proportion.
Moveables. Rings, brooches, bangles, and similar, easily removed
jewellery.
Plaster. Owed money.
See Plastering.
Mullered. Very drunk.
Plastering. Paying money that is owed.
From Strigany mullerd murdered.
So-called because walls are often used to hide coins, which must
be broken then replastered after larger debts are paid.
N
Nark. An informer to the Watch.
Plum Pie. A female-presenting thief who employs femininity to
steal from others.
From Strigany nakki nose.
Nice. Squeamish.
Pot. Head.
Nightwalker. Thief.
Prig. Steal.
Noddle. Head.
Prince, the. Ranald, God of Trickery.
From Ranald’s sobriquet, ‘The Prince of Cats’.
Norser. A Nordlander.
11
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
Q
Sham. 1) Magic; 2) Magical spell.
Quirks. Loopholes in the law that allow criminals to avoid
punishment.
Shammer. A witch.
Shimmy. A silver shilling.
Quota. A share of stolen goods.
Shiner. A gold crown.
R
Chiefly used in Altdorf.
Shiv. An improvised knife.
Rabbit. A child.
From Strigany chivomengro knife.
Rant. Boast.
Shop. A prison.
Ravenposts. Gallows.
Shopped. Imprisoned.
From Morr, the God of Death’s, sacred animal, the raven.
Reeking. Smoking tobacco.
Simple. A poison.
Rhya’s Plea. A claim of pregnancy by a woman convicted of a
capital crime.
Silver Laced. Infested with lice.
Sixer. A usurer.
Some courts, especially Verenean courts, will not punish an
unborn child for a mother’s misdeeds.
So-called, as any charge of over five in a hundred is viewed by
most as criminal.
Rigging. 1) Conning (Chiefly used in the Wasteland); 2) Clothes.
Skimming. Embezzling.
Ripe. Ready.
Skimmer. An embezzler.
Rook. A thief; 2) A cheat.
Skuller. An Altdorfer.
From one of the city’s heraldic devices.
Round-dealing. Honest dealing.
Rover. Pirate.
Slam. Trick.
Rub-up. Study or prepare for a criminal job.
Slanga. Thieves’ Tongue.
From Varg Norscan slaangu secret language. This origin
means the word is seen as heretical by some religious scholars.
Rum. 1) Odd (Chiefly used in Stirland); 2) Good; 3) Valuable
(Chiefly used in the Wasteland).
Smiter. Arm.
S
Smudger. Shallya.
So-called because the Goddess’s eternal tears would cause her
paint to run.
Sack. Pocket.
Saucy. Impudent.
Snoot. 1) A Highwayman that only robs from the rich, and treats
victims with courtesy; 2) A fanciful claim, unlikely to be true.
Sausage. A cleric or templar of Sigmarite.
Snudge. A burglar who hides under a bed with the intent of
robbing a house later.
Savings. Lawyers.
From Altdorf rhyming slang: Savings Sawyer—Lawyer.
Scab. 1) A worthless man; 2) A man without skills.
Sop. A bribe.
Scraper. A counterfeiter of fine art.
Squelch. Fragile or weak.
‘The rum tailor-pie’s squelch, but he has me plaster, so I’m
looking out for the cove.’ That odd, dishonest Marienburger
thief is weak, but he owes me money, so I’m protecting
him.
Scran. Food.
Common in Middenland, Nordland, and Hochland.
From Strigany scatan to eat.
Scratchlander. Stirlander.
Squelchies. Fragile goods.
So-called because all Stirlanders are said to have fleas.
Stalling. Being inducted into a gang of criminals.
Scrump. To steal.
Stateman. A beggar or rogue who pretends to be an injured
soldier.
From Mootish scrump to steal apples.
Scrumper. Thief
Stretch. One yard.
From Mootish scrumper apple thief.
Seaman. A Marienburger.
Sticks. Pistols.
Sell a Cat. Lie.
Stop temple. The main hideout of a gang of criminals.
12
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
T
U
Tab. Young man.
Unrig. Strip clothes.
Table. Game of chance.
V
Tailor. Averlander.
Vamp. Pawn anything.
So-called for the number of tailors to be found in Averheim.
Velvet. Tongue.
Tar. Mariner.
She tipped the velvet. Literally: She gave the tongue; i.e.:
she provided oral sex.
Tattler. Alarm.
Velveteen. A noble.
Tatts. Weighted dice.
So-called for the green velvet cloaks worn by nobles at the
Altdorf court. Chiefly used in Reikland.
Thumbing. Pressing the thumb into an eye for the purpose of
permanently blinding.
W
This is a common practice with gangs from Ostland and
Ostermark.
Waits. Musicians paid to play beneath the windows of the rich at
night.
Tilling. Fetching.
Waiters. Thieves who pose as waits.
‘The gull’s tilling scran.’ The gullible person is fetching
food.
Tib. Young woman.
Wash. Paint worn on the face to enhance attractiveness or aid
disguises.
Tip. 1) Give; 2) Lend.
Watch harvest. A bad time to attempt a crime.
Toaster. A fencing sword.
Wattles. Ears.
Tobaro. A sword.
Whip. Steal.
Tobaran blades are said to be some of the finest in the world.
Whisk. Impertinent person.
Tobarese Pie. A thief that swipes swords from sheathes and runs.
Whisker. A great lie.
Togs. Clothes.
From Strigany toigs clothes.
Whistle. Throat.
Tooth-pick. A cosh or cudgel.
Windy. Foolish.
Top. Strike someone on the head.
With A rose. With an expectation of privacy.
Roses, the sacred flower of Morr, are often arranged on tables
when a meeting is solemn and private, and none should discuss
its details with others. The roses are often chosen for their
closeness to gang colours.
Topper. An executioner.
Totter. A bonepicker or rag-and-bone seller.
From Strigany totter seller of waste items.
Wonga. Coins or wealth.
Totting. Selling rag and bone.
From Strigany vonga coal.
From Strigany tottin selling waste items.
Track. Go.
Wooden ruff. Stocks.
Traders. 1) Thieves; 2) Members of a gang of criminals.
Woodpecker. Bystander that bets.
Tuppence. Clerics and templars of Morr, the God of Death.
Wordpecker. Verenean.
So-called because of Morrian traditions where coins are placed
over a corpse’s eyes.
Written out. Arrested
‘The totter were written out last week.’ The bone-picker was
arrested last week.
Tusker. Talabheimer.
From the myths that Taal, the God of Wild Places, often
appeared as a Boar.
Y
Yellow-boy. Gold coin.
Twitcher. A thief who hovers near alley entrances whipping
cloaks from passers’ backs.
Yoked. Married.
Chiefly used in Talabheim.
13
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
GENTEEL BANTER
Or the gentle chaffing of correct Reikspiel.
The Emperor’s Reikspiel may be codified by the dusty scholars of
the ICCLE, but it has not been so tightly constrained by
grammatical rules, strict units, and immutable orders that it can’t
be repurposed as needed. However, for all its eclectic utility, few
brandish Reikspiel with much skill, preferring to hammer words
home with naught but utility in mind. Standing separate from
this, a blessed few, perhaps touched by Verena herself, wield
language like it were the Sword of Judgement itself, cutting deep
with wit and charm where others stumble and fall.
Similarly, euphemisms are also generally avoided by the nobility.
This is because idiomatic use of Reikspiel is considered to be
antagonistic to clear speaking. So, saying I’m sorry to hear Johanna
passed through the Portal is, to most nobles, quite unacceptable.
Instead, they would prefer the plainer, I am sorry to hear that
Johanna has died.
Standing contrary to this preference to avoid improper language,
there is also a widely used slang spoken almost exclusively by the
upper classes. Given the light-hearted name banter, but more
formally known as chaffing, this informal noble repartee is either
deployed in a self-mocking fashion by the older generations, or
more commonly used in a gently rebellious manner by noble-born
youths, many of whom have claimed and recycled the words of
their elders for their own purposes. Given many nobles are
classically educated, it should come as no surprise that noble
banter also includes many loan words and older phrases,
something that causes traditionalist factions of the ICCLE to
throw their arms up in horror.
Nowhere is this more in evidence than the great courts of the
Empire. There, deft control of the Emperor’s Reikspiel is not just
preferred, it is required. Those who ply their trade in the courts,
most notably luminaries of the noble Houses of Sigmar’s Empire,
have become true experts of the Emperor’s Reikspiel.
However, it should be noted that the Emperor’s Reikspiel, the
language accepted as ‘proper’ and not ‘slang’, is not exactly the
same as the high Reikspiel spoken at court. Many upper-class
words are used somewhat differently to the Emperor’s Reikspiel,
or not even used at all. Indeed, to sound ‘noble’, you have to be
just as careful about the words you do not use just as much as the
words you do.
As an example of how noble banter expresses, the following
selected lexicon provides a list of some of the more common
phrases and words encountered when stalking the courts of the
Empire. The correct use of these words and phrases marks one
out as being correctly educated or perhaps even noble, but be very
careful not to use them incorrectly.
For example, the nobility rarely use the word meal to mean food
served to be eaten. Nobles may eat breakfast, luncheon, or dinner,
but they never eat a meal. Meal, they claim, is for chickens and
peasants, not for them.
The following words and phrases are commonly known by those with Etiquette (Nobles), and can be understood with an Int Test.
Entries marked as informal are not strictly the Emperor’s Reikspiel, and likely draw frowns from the older generations.
A
Blighter. Informal 1) Contemptible person; 2) A rotten person;
3) A man.
Afraid. Feel regret.
Considered blasphemous by the more educated in the Cult of
Sigmar as the word refers to the Plague Lord, but usage is
nevertheless widespread.
‘I’m afraid to inform you that is impossible.’ I regret to inform
you that it is impossible.
B
Blotto. Informal Drunk.
‘I’m absolutely blotto.’ I’m very drunk.
Banter. Informal Slang.
Blow. Informal Damn.
Balls, The. The 20 formal balls held in the Altdorf from the
beginning of Nachhexen to the end of Jahrdrung.
‘Blow him, I’ve no interest in his lies.’ Damn him, I have no
interest in his lies.
Bally. Informal Bloody; 2) Damned.
Blue End. Informal 1) Arse; 2) The rear.
Considered blasphemous by the more educated in the Cult of
Sigmar as the word refers to the Blood God, but usage is
nevertheless widespread.
‘Bally man took it in the blue end!’ Damned warship took a
hit to its rear!
Brims, The. Informal Restlessness
Bate. Mood.
‘You have the brims about you!’ You are restless or otherwise
gadding about.
‘No need to fly into a bate, darling.’ No need to be moody,
darling.
A ‘brim’ is a gadfly. When they alight upon the tail of an
animal, the creature becomes wild or restless.
Battles. Rations.
So-called for the limited foodstuffs Altdorf University allows.
A corruption of the verb batten, to feed.
By Cracky. Informal [Exclamation for emphasis or surprise]
Beastly. Unpleasant.
‘By Cracky, what a fine day!’ This is a particularly fine day.
Bind. A problematic situation.
Considered blasphemous by the more educated in the Cult of
Sigmar as the term supposedly calls upon the Lord of Change,
but usage is nevertheless widespread.
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
C
H
Catch-fart. Informal. 1) A footman; 2) A servant.
Huzzah! 1) [Expression of approval]; 2 [Expression of joy.]
Chiefly Reikland, Nordland, and Ostland.
Originally from the Old Reikspiel sailor’s cry hissen to hoist.
Chaffing. 1) To use noble banter; 2) To mock or tease in a goodnatured fashion; 3) To waste time by talking nonsense.
I
‘They chaffed all morning.’ They wasted their time talking
nonsense all morning.
I say. 1) [Phrase used for emphasis]; 2) [An expression of
surprise].
Chimneypiece. Mantlepiece.
‘I say, my good man, take my velvet, won’t you.’ This is
important, my good man: take my cloak.
Chin-chin. Informal 1) A polite speech; 2) A light-hearted
conversation; 3) To make a speech; 4) To converse lightheartedly; 5) (A toast to someone’s health); 6) (A greeting or
farewell).
J
Jollies. Informal Sexual thrills.
From Cathayan qǐng-qǐng please-please.
‘Did you not hear about it, darling? Why, she gets her jollies
from the ‘Doll-ups’! Did you not hear about it, my friend?
Why, she gets her thrills from watching Halfling strip
shows!
Confirmed bachelor. A noble man who it is known does not wish
to marry.
Comets. Informal. To do something in pairs.
Jolly. Very.
‘Come along now: walk in comets, children!’ Come along
now: walk in pairs, children.
‘Well, I say, isn’t that jolly good!’ Well, this is important: this
is very good!
D
L
Daily. A servant that does not live on-premises.
Lickspittle. Informal 1) Derogatory term for a subordinate of any
kind; 2) A servile flatterer or toady; 3) A contemptible, fawning
person.
Darling. 1) [a familiar term of address]; 2) Informal Cute,
charming, or delightful.
‘Well, just give it to my lickspittle, won’t you.’ Well, just give
it to my handmaid, won’t you.
‘What a darling child!’ What a delightful child.
Deb. Informal A young, inexperienced woman.
M
Contraction of Bretonnian débutante female beginner.
Man. Informal 1) A first-rate vessel; 2) A man-o’-war. 3) Any
ship with cannons.
Deb’s delight. Informal An attractive, unmarried man.
Débutante. A young woman of noble birth who is presented to
court at the beginning of the Social Season when of marriable
age.
Chiefly Reikland, Nordland, and Ostland.
Originally from the Imperial Navy.
Midder. Informal Middenball, a popular sport of the Empire.
Dinner. An evening meal.
‘Anyone up for a game of Midder?’ Would anyone like to play
a game of Middenball?
Dinner is never an afternoon meal.
Dishy. 1) Good looking; 2) Attractive.
Miffed. Mildly upset.
He’s dishy, but a confirmed bachelor. He’s attractive, but does
not wish to marry.
‘Rather miffed that Ilse didn’t drop by.’ I’m mildly upset that
Ilse didn’t visit.
E
Morr’s Garden. 1) Graveyard.
Nobles do not use the term graveyard, which is deemed to be
informal slang used by the lower orders.
Eligible Bachelor. A young, unmarried noble man who has
significant social or financial standing.
N
F
Nitwit. An idiot.
Fancy. Liking.
From Old Reikspiel Nichtwitz not + wits; i.e.: not having any
wits.
‘I’ve taken a fancy to that dishy catch-fart.’ I like the look of
that attractive footman.
Ninny. A fool.
Finished. Tired or exhausted.
From a shortening of innocent.
Oh, by the Gods, he’s an absolute ninny! Oh, by the Gods, he
is a very foolish person.
First-rate. The best.
Chiefly Reikland, Nordland, and Ostland. Originally from the
Imperial Navy’s ratings for different warships.
Ninnyhammer. The leader of fools, and a greater fool in turn.
Often used in reference to other nobles.
Schnital? Not more than a Ninnyhammer! Schnital? He’s a
fool who leads other fools.
Frightfully. Informal Very.
It’s frightfully important that I speak to her. It’s very
important that I speak to her.
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
Social Season. The annual period, usually from the end of winter
to midsummer, when the noble houses hold important social
events including balls, dinner parties, charity events, and sporting
displays. Typically, during Social Season many nobles take
residence in their local capital to socialise and engage in politics.
P
Pantry politics. Servant talk.
Pettifogger. Informal. Disreputable lawyer.
From Bretonnian petit small + Old High Reikspiel fogger
lawyer.
Informal Also known as just The Season.
Spiffing. Excellent.
Piggish. Informal. Mean.
‘I’ve a spiffing overcoat for you.’ I’ve an excellent overcoat for
you.
Pip pip. Informal. Goodbye.
Squiffy. Informal A superior of any kind
Poorly hung. Informal. Dressed inappropriately.
Corruption of Skew-whiff.
So-called because the higher the rank, the more likely it is the
individual will be drunk.
Stems from a painting hung with light depicted falling in one
direction while the natural light comes from another, which is
considered bad form.
Poppet. Informal. Some who is nicely indulgent or sweet.
T
Posh. Informal. Gaudy, unsophisticated, and affected in a
misguided attempt to appear refined and elegant.
Thrall. Servant.
Chiefly used in Nordland and Ostland.
Just ignore the thralls. Just ignore the servants.
‘The merchant is frightfully posh.’ The merchant believes he
appears refined, but instead appears gaudy and
unsophisticated.
Tickety-boo. Progressing smoothly.
Tight. Informal Drunk.
Prig. A person who demands pointlessly precise conformity and
is fussy about propriety, especially in an irritating or self-righteous
manner.
‘I’ve been at the wine all morning, darling, and I’m afraid to
report I’m now rather tight.’ I’ve been drinking wine all
morning, my friend, and I regret to report that I’m very
drunk.
Priggish. Fussy about trivialities, self-righteous, and irritating.
Top-hole. Splendid.
R
Trumpery. 1) Something that that looks good, but is worthless;
2) Foolish talk or actions.
Rather! 1) [Emphatically yes!]; 2) Very.
Chiefly used as an interjection.
His business? No, it’s all trumpery. His business? It may look
impressive, but it’s worthless.
Ravenstone. Gravestone.
From Morr, the God of Death’s, sacred animal, the raven.
V
Rot. Informal. Nonsense.
Vamp. 1) Decorate the top of one’s boots 2) Informal Dress up.
‘Don’t talk rot!’ Don’t talk nonsense!
From Brigundian Vampes, short hose that covers the ankles
and feet.
Rotter. Informal Terrible person; 2) A rotten person.
Considered blasphemous by the more educated in the Cult of
Sigmar as the word refers to the Plague Lord, but usage is
nevertheless widespread.
Velvet. Informal Cloak.
W
Row. Argue.
Weekend. 1) The days of Angestag and Festag.
‘They’ve been rowing all morning!’ They’ve been arguing all
morning.
Many nobles refuse to do anything significant on the weekend,
preferring to hunt on the Angestag and attend throng on the
Festag. Because of this, most universities are closed at the
weekend. Chiefly used in Reikland and Wissenland.
S
Seedy. Ill.
What? (Interrogative requesting information.)
I’m feeling somewhat seedy, darling. I’m feeling a little ill.
Nobles never use pardon, which they see as a misuse of the word
by the lower-orders. After all, none have the right to pardon
nobles but their lieges!
Skew-whiff. Slightly drunk.
Corruption of askew + whiff slightly off-smell.
What-ho! 1) Hello, there! 2) What’s ahead?
Slut. Slovenly person.
Chiefly used as a greeting or to attract attention.
‘He’s a dreadful slut!’ He’s noted for being dishevelled.
Wag off. 1) Avoid duties; 2) Skive.
Smart. 1) Good taste; 2) Appears noble and sophisticated.
‘I’m afraid to say that bally merchant is rather smart!’ I must
admit that the damned merchant has good taste and
appears noble!
Wastelander dues. Informal A payment that will never be
reclaimed.
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LAWHAMMER LEXICON OF SLANG
COMING SOON
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